The Unis

King's Gate: a relatively new building on Newcastle University's Campus. It is basically the student services building.

Looking up into the main central part of the Newcastle University Campus

The Student Union Building

Really up until this past weekend it was looking like I was not getting anywhere with the Universities or “Unis.” I had tried pretty much everything I could and still hadn’t heard back from the leaders of the Christian Unions. However, through God’s providence, prayer was answered, and we are now signed up to participate in the “Church Search” Programs at both the University of Northumbria and at Newcastle University! This means that for the next 4 weeks (starting on Sunday) we will show up at the Student Unions and offer rides to students from the Christian Unions who are looking for a church. I am really excited about this!! Please pray that at least a few students will decided to check out GPC. (Gateshead Presbyterian Church)

A Funny Story…

            So I went Tuesday to get some fliers printed off for the church searches. The place I was going to was in Gateshead and had done some work for the church before, however when I got there I was told that the place had moved to Annfield Plain. Well Gateshead is really, for the most part, a collection of a number of smaller places so I didn’t even think anything of it and just hopped on a bus headed there. In due course though, I realized that Annfield Plain was a village about 45min. from Gateshead.  Not exactly what I had in mind… I found the shop I was looking for though and since I needed it to be started ASAP I got them to do the printing. However, if there is a next time…I will be looking for a place closer to home. J  (On the plus side I did get some required reading done and got to see a bit of the beautiful countryside, so the time wasn’t totally wasted.)

Check the bottom of the blog for more information

First Post from the UK

Hello to all of you. Life has been a little crazy here getting settled and having to start work immediately because of the university schedule and not having internet at the house due to stuff out of our hands.

In any case, I have figured out the bus system and am trying to get in touch with the evangelical college ministries at the local universities (called Christian Unions or CUs) I am also starting stuff with the church like leading their mid week bible study about once a month. My first one is a week from last tonight...and starting the study program and some other things.

Please pray for:

The ability to get all that I need done 
My continued adjustment to a very new place
and
That I would be able to make good connections with the CU's soon!

Thanks to all of you I've included some pictures below and will fill you all in, in greater detail, in the next few weeks.

Blessings to you in our Lord Jesus Christ!!!

Mom and I at Dulles Airport

A close up of the same

My room with my back to the window (see below)

My room with my back to the door (see above)

The house

Final Post from the US

Dear Support Team,

            It has been a while since I updated you all. In the last half month, I took my sister on a week-long trip to several historical sites in Virginia for her birthday. She turned 10 years old on the 21^st of August. The rest of the time has been mostly spent in getting all the details taken care of to leave and saying good bye to many friends. I have been blessed in this because my time here ended up overlapping with the beginning of the fall semester at Virginia Tech so many of my friends were back in town and I was able to share lunch or dinner with them.

            As for packing, I am almost done that. Just the last odd and n’s need to be added now, I have added a picture at the end of the post to prove that I have indeed been packing! (http://beningatesheadengland.blogspot.com) Sometime it seems really crazy that I leave on Tuesday! Yet I know that God has called me to be in Gateshead and I am greatly looking forward finally getting over there and starting to serve! I will fly out late on Tuesday and arrive in Gateshead a little after noon on Wednesday (UK time.) Please pray that:

·         God will grant me a smooth transition to English culture

·         That my flights and connections will go safely and smoothly

·         That God will be continuing to prepare my heart for the work He has for me.

Thank you for your prayers! Be looking for more updates and pictures in the near future!

In His Service,

Benjamin 

My room in disarray from packing

Abigail and I in Williamsburg